Mtarfa kept up their march in the K.O., and after beating the third placed side in the league, Starlites, they have now claimed the scalp of the league runners up, Suns. Now they face the ultimate test, in the final, when they face the league champions, and unbeaten side this season, Siggiewi. Suns seemed on course at the start, racing into a good advantage, but then they fell away, from the second period onwards, and were also at a distance at the end of the match.

Mtarfa were without Calvin Calleja, Florin Agius and David Cini, but Julian gatt was again included. Suns had Adrian Pace and Simon Cauchi missing.

Mtarfa replied quickly to suns’ opening hoop, with a brace of baskets. Suns then took over, to build up a solid 13-1 run, with Keith Sciclina in the forefront. Though Mtarfa recovered, there was Igor Marjanovic to reply to Jeffrey Gatt’s points for Mtarfa, with Suns holding on to a double figure advantage. In the second period Suns were more the spectators for the first part, as Mtarfa poured in an 11-1 run, including a Shaun Baldacchino triple, to go to within a point. They then kept on with a further 8-2 run, to take a lead. Liitle time remained for the interval buzzer, but Suns picked themselves up, and free throws enabled them to grab a slim 34-32 lead.

After the break Mtarfa drew level, only to lose Jarnis Viibe, on excessive protests. Suns took the opportunity to go in front once more,but Mtarfa managed to make up an 8-0 run, mostly from Gatt. Suns were kept at arms’ length by their opponents, who also had Joe Vella with his triple, as they took a 49-41 advantage, into the last session. Mtarfa were still in control, even though Trevor Grech nailed a suns triple. Afterwards Mtarfa made up a 7-2 run, with free throws, to put Suns under more pressure. Hasty play by the latter side had Mtarfa extending their lead, to deny Suns any decent shot at getting back in the game.